Partially successful appeal against a decision of the Chief Judge to refuse to cancel an order creating a roadway on Rangiwaea Island unless certain conditions were met. It was not in the interests of justice for the order to be cancelled.

The applicant trust sought an injunction against the Atama whānau preventing the whānau from undertaking any further building work on or occupying Waiaua A1C block. The Court granted an interim injunction preventing the Atama whānau from undertaking any further building work on the block, but considered the interests of justice did not require an interim injunction preventing the Atama whānau from occupying the block pending the substantive hearing.

Application to partially terminate a whānau trust dismissed. Submissions in favour of the application were contrary to the scheme of Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993. The Act makes it plain that the land, money and assets of a whānau trust are held for the descendants of the named tupuna and there is no provision that allows original donors to retain beneficial ownership. The purpose of whānau trusts is to move beyond individual interests and closer to traditional concepts.

Applicant alleged, but did not provide cogent evidence of, serious impropriety in the election of three nominees. Applicant given until 30 January 2015 to file evidence in support of the allegations. Failing that, the nominees will be appointed on that day.

Successful application by a father in the Federal Circuit Court of Australia preventing the mother from relocating with their children from Victoria to Western Australia. The Court considered, amongst other factors, that the children’s ties and involvement with their aboriginal community in Victoria were of “real significance”.